Nine Teesside part-time soldiers are taking part in the challenge of a lifetime in war-torn Iraq.

The TA troops, members of the Middlesbrough-based B (Green Howard's) Tyne-Tees Regiment, were mobilised on October 21 and for six months will patrol the city of Basra.

Dad-of-four Private Simon Sunderland, 33, of Linthorpe, will be missing Christmas for the first time - leaving wife Jenni with children Jack, 14, Harry, 11, Alfie, seven, and Erin, four.

"It will be hard being away from my family for Christmas, but this is what we are here to do," he said before he left.

Alfie and his little sister have promised to have a second Christmas for their dad when he returns from action.

Erin said: "I will miss him and I will cry when he goes, but I'll be a good girl for my mum."

Corporal Malcolm Priestley, 41, of Fairfield, Stockton, has been a member of the TA for 23 years.

Cpl Priestley, who works for a local plumbing and heating company, said: "You can never prepare yourself enough for what will happen out there."

Anne, his wife of 20 years who is remaining at home with their children Graham, 19, and Helen, 18, said: "I was shocked that after so many years with the TA he was going away but that's why they are here."